Was a Marine Engineer Arrested for Dowry Harassment in Tamil Nadu?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Marine engineer arrested for dowry harassment.
- Wife alleges serious injuries from a fall.
- Family pressure for additional dowry reported.
- Investigation into family members ongoing.
- Legal actions expected as the case progresses.
Chennai, July 22 (NationPress) A 30-year-old marine engineer was taken into custody on allegations of demanding dowry and domestic violence in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu.
The complaint was filed by the engineer's 21-year-old wife, who claimed that he threw her from the terrace of their residence during an argument about additional dowry.
The accused, B. Khaja Rafik, residing in Saduperi near the Fort Complex in Vellore, works as a marine engineer and operates an air-conditioning repair shop in the city. He wed A. Nargis in 2023.
According to the police report, Rafik and his family had been pressuring Nargis for more dowry, despite already receiving significant gifts and funds during their marriage.
Nargis mentioned that her family had taken loans to provide 30 sovereigns of gold, Rs 1.5 lakh for a vehicle, Rs 3 lakh for home appliances, and spent around Rs 10 lakh on the wedding.
Despite this, Rafik and his family reportedly continued to demand more dowry, resulting in ongoing harassment. The situation escalated last week when Nargis suffered serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury and multiple leg fractures, after falling from their terrace.
She accused her husband of pushing her off the terrace during a heated dispute over dowry.
Rafik and his family have denied the allegations, asserting that it was an accident.
On Monday, Nargis, still recovering in bed and on a stretcher, attended a public grievance meeting at the Vellore Collectorate.
Accompanied by her parents, she spoke with District Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi and recounted the abuse she allegedly faced from her husband and in-laws.
Following the Collector's involvement, the Ariyur Police initiated an investigation into the matter.
Based on initial findings and Nargis' statements, Rafik was arrested on Tuesday under charges of demanding dowry and domestic violence.
A thorough investigation into the involvement of other family members, including Rafik's father, a Sub-Inspector at Cheyyar police station, is currently ongoing.
Further legal actions are anticipated as the investigation advances.